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Baptism And The Conscience

Our conscience is a valuable moral governor — a bell that rings, a light that flashes, in keeping with our understanding of what is right and wrong. However, our conscience is not the standard of absolute truth (John 17:17; cf. Psalm 119:142; Psalm 119:151). If we have an erroneous understanding of any matter, the “set” of our conscience on that subject will be inaccurate (Acts 23:1; Acts 26:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:12-13; cf. John 16:2).

In 1 Peter 3:15 NASB, the text reads:

“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.“

According to this verse, good behavior must be “in Christ.” Thus it is God’s will that determines the right course, and a “good conscience” toward God as the ultimate goal.

In 1 Peter 3:21 NASB we read:

“And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you — not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.“

In and of itself, baptism does not save anyone. Christ is our Savior (Titus 1:; Titus 3:6). But Christ is only the Savior of those who put their complete trust in Him — who believe in Him so fully that they “set” their conscience and act accordingly in keeping with His will — “to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9 NASB).

Thus all who give serious consideration to Christ’s will, understand that He commands baptism (Mark 16:16; cf. Acts 10:48) Knowing this, one can not have a good conscience toward God while refusing to do His will — baptism being a part of His will. Being an act of divine mandate, baptism pictures our death to sin, burial with Christ, and resurrection to a new life. (Romans 6:3-6).

It is not surprising then that after one confesses Christ as God’s Son (Acts 8:36-37), baptism is the vehicle which allows one to become a Christian, and the vehicle by which entrance into the kingdom — the church is accomplished (John 3:3; John 3:5; Acts 2:37-47; Ephesians 5:23).